Cost not being an issue, how does this wheelset compare to 404s or FP60s?
I have no first-hand experience, but Dura-Ace products are always quite good. And I’m sure they will provide more value per dollar than Zipps, but not sure about FlashPoints.
The obvious difference is the exact depth of each rim. I like deeper, but there would be certain wind conditions in which the differences would be negligable.
Cost not being an issue, how does this wheelset compare to 404s or FP60s?
The Dura-Ace wheels are simple “V” shaped rims. If you look at the windtunnel data, this shape performs quite a bit worse than the toroidal rim shapes of Zipp/Flashpoint or HED. The FP60s will be a noticeably faster wheel, and will also be more forgiving of a wider tire, which is very nice. “V” rims do not like wide tires, and usually do best with a VERY narrow tire - like 19 or 20mm - which is, in many cases, not something you really want to ride.
The build quality of Shimano’s wheels is excellent, but the aerodynamics are currently a bit behind. I would expect this to change once the patent expires on the toroidal rim, but we’ll see.
If they’re good enough for Gilbert, they’re good enough for me.
They’re not as deep as 404s (58mm), nor do they have the toroidal rim. However, they are significantly cheaper new. Shimano has always made reliable, strong wheelsets. I think 50mm is a great depth for climbing road races… not so much for triathlon, because I find myself wishing I had wheels deeper than the 58mm I use.
Cost not being an issue, buy the 404’s. I love the new Zipp hub and all the improvements, as well as the obvious aero benefits.